At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new Mediterranean restaurant kitchen, creating exciting seasonal menus and managing a talented team.
- Company: Join a luxury estate focused on high standards in hospitality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free meals, spa access, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development opportunities and a fun, inclusive atmosphere.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a brand-new restaurant and shape its culinary identity from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality restaurants, strong leadership skills, and a passion for Mediterranean cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity to lead the kitchen of a brand-new 60-cover Mediterranean restaurant and shape its food offering from day one. We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to take ownership of an exciting new restaurant concept at Hiddenwell. This is more than a role running an established kitchen. You’ll be involved from pre-opening and launch, working closely with our Executive Head Chef and Restaurant Manager to develop a distinctive Mediterranean food offering built around outstanding seasonal ingredients, confident cooking and consistently high standards. Our ambition is clear: to create a restaurant with its own identity and reputation, delivering and maintaining a minimum Two AA Rosette standard.
What you’ll be doing:
- As Head Chef, you’ll have real ownership of the kitchen and culinary direction of the restaurant.
- Developing creative, seasonal Mediterranean menus that excite our guests and perform commercially.
- Helping shape the restaurant through pre-opening, menu trials, tastings and service rehearsals.
- Creating recipes, specifications, plating standards, portion controls and dish costings.
- Leading the kitchen brigade from the front, creating a positive and professional environment.
- Recruiting, training, coaching and developing a talented team of chefs.
- Taking ownership of food quality and consistency across every service.
- Leading the pass during key services and ensuring the kitchen performs at its best.
- Maintaining exceptional food safety, hygiene and allergen standards.
- Working closely with the Restaurant Manager so the kitchen and front-of-house teams operate as one.
- Managing food GP, purchasing, stock, waste, labour, overtime and agency costs.
- Using guest feedback, menu performance and sales trends to continually develop the offering.
- Championing seasonal ingredients, responsible sourcing and reducing food waste.
- Developing signature dishes while maintaining a clear Mediterranean identity.
What we’re looking for:
- We’re looking for someone who combines culinary creativity with excellent leadership and commercial awareness.
- You’ll be a confident kitchen leader who enjoys developing people, setting high standards and being hands-on during service.
- You'll understand that a successful restaurant isn't just about exceptional food – it's about consistency, teamwork, excellent controls and creating an experience that makes guests want to return.
- Experience within a quality restaurant or rosette-level environment would be particularly valuable, alongside an excellent understanding of food safety, allergens, kitchen financials and team leadership.
- Most importantly, we're looking for someone excited by the opportunity to build something – developing the food, the team and the reputation of a new restaurant from the very beginning.
Why this role?
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Head Chef who wants genuine ownership and the chance to put their stamp on a new restaurant. You’ll have the support of the Executive Head Chef and wider Food & Beverage leadership team, while having the autonomy to lead your brigade, develop the menu and continually evolve the restaurant. Success will mean creating a kitchen known for excellent Mediterranean food, talented and engaged chefs, strong standards and memorable guest experiences.
Additional Information:
- Full-time position – 45 hours per week working evenings.
- Working 5/7 days per week including weekends and bank holidays.
- Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship now or at any point in the future for this role.
- Salary: £60,000 per annum.
Why Join Us:
- Work in a picturesque, historic estate with a focus on luxury and high standards in hospitality.
- Complimentary Spa Day on work anniversaries at any of our company spas.
- Free meal provided daily through our staff canteen.
- Complimentary use of leisure and spa facilities.
- Access to the Employee Assistance Program.
- 30% discount on overnight stays and spa days.
- Discounts on food, drink and retail across our venues.
- Pension scheme.
- Free Parking.
- Refer-a-Friend scheme.
- Excellent Induction and training programme.
- Perkbox Online benefits and discounts.
- On-line Doctor support (appointments/prescriptions).
- A fun, supportive and inclusive work environment with loads of development opportunities.
Head Chef - Mediterranean Restaurant in Burton upon Trent employer: Hoar Cross Hall Ltd
Join us at our stunning Mediterranean restaurant located in the picturesque Hoar Cross Hall, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape a new culinary concept from the ground up. As a Head Chef, you'll enjoy a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises your professional growth, offering excellent training programmes and development opportunities. With competitive benefits including complimentary spa days, discounts across our venues, and a focus on high standards in hospitality, this is more than just a job; it's a chance to be part of a family dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Mediterranean Restaurant in Burton upon Trent
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Hoar Cross Hall Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Hoar Cross Hall Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Hoar Cross Hall Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Mediterranean Restaurant in Burton upon Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Hoar Cross Hall Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hoar Cross Hall Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
